Symmetry generally conveys two primary meanings. The first is an imprecise sense of harmonious or aesthetically pleasing proportionality and balance;[1][2] such that it reflects beauty or perfection. The second meaning is a precise and well-defined concept of balance or "patterned self-similarity" that can be demonstrated or proved according to the rules of a formal system: by geometry, through physics or otherwise.
Although the meanings are distinguishable in some contexts, both meanings of "symmetry" are related and discussed in parallel.[2][3]
The "precise" notions of symmetry have various measures and operational definitions. For example, symmetry may be observed:
- with respect to the passage of time;
- as a spatial relationship;
- through geometric transformations such as scaling, reflection, and rotation;
- through other kinds of functional transformations[4]; and
- as an aspect of abstract objects, theoretic models, language, music and even knowledge itself.[5][6]
This article describes these notions of symmetry from four perspectives. The first is that of symmetry in geometry, which is the most familiar type of symmetry for many people. The second perspective is the more general meaning of symmetry in mathematics as a whole. The third perspective describes symmetry as it relates to science and technology. In this context, symmetries underlie some of the most profound results found in modern physics, including aspects of space and time. Finally, a fourth perspective discusses symmetry in the humanities, covering its rich and varied use in history, architecture, art, and religion.
The opposite of symmetry is asymmetry.
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The Geek
Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:55:15 GM
Symmetrical. Docking Friday (Week 31). 27 March, 2009 (14:55) | Stuff · sdf31_small.jpg. For this weeks SDF we have the Vocaloid girls Miku and Luka. Megurine Luka is the latest Vocaloid girl and was just released this year at the end of ...
Q. I heard facial symmetry makes someone attractive, but most people only have minor asymmetries. So in day to day life, the only way we can tell if someone is symmetrical is by looking at them exactly head on, so how do we tell if someone is actually symmetrical or not?
Asked by Jenny D - Sun Dec 21 22:36:40 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments
A. I think people have evolved some innate sense that allows them to unconsciously recognized a very symmetrical face. Babies do. Babies are more attentive to attractive people for evolutionary reasons. Look it up if you have time, its pretty interesting. As for every day conscious judging, some (but often few) people are obviously not very symmetrical, but most people have such minute "imperfections" that it would take a computer scan or a professional to really point out those "flaws". Especially since some of those "flaws" some people consider attractive. Like dimples. They're really cute, but are puckered skin if you really think about it :) I would think that almost no one would be perfectly symmetrical.
Answered by Kate - Sun Dec 21 22:45:00 2008
